Sleepwalkers

Carbon, earth pigments and oil on plywood boards 10x15cm, multiple

Taking the title from Arthur Koestler’s history of man's changing vision of the universe, I started painting Sleepwalkers in 2014 and it is an ongoing work. Small enough to be held in the palm of a hand, these ‘talismans’ are protectors for loved-ones. The series began as a way of dealing with the death of artist and friend, Graham Craig Smith, who lost his battle with the absurd and threw himself from a bridge. They are the most raw and directly personal works I’ve made.

Mental illness is a growing issue, the price humanity is paying for the evolutionary path we have taken. This work is a reminder of what is at stake. As their number increases the singular journey becomes a collective one.

Installation piece composed of multiple small panels. Variable size. Work in progress.